Progression to Level 4 (TC-L4)

Ofqual-Regulated Qualification | 20 Credits

The Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) develops students' understanding of counselling theory, ethical practice, self-awareness and the counselling relationship. It provides an important progression pathway towards practitioner-level training, including the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4).

Students are encouraged to integrate theoretical understanding with experiential learning, reflective practice and personal development, supporting their readiness for further counselling training.

Course Assessment:

Assessment is undertaken through coursework, experiential learning, group activities and the development of a portfolio demonstrating achievement of the assessment criteria across seven learning outcomes:

• Prepare to work within an ethical framework.
• Understand the counselling relationship.
• Understand differences and diversity issues to develop empathic understanding.
• Work within a user-centred approach to counselling.
• Use counselling theory to develop self-awareness in counselling practice.
• Understand theories of counselling and mental health.
• Use feedback, reflection and supervision to support counselling studies.

Course Philosophy:

An important aspect of the course is our student-led approach, with tutors providing constructive feedback sensitively and appropriately. Continual support and guidance are offered through regular tutorials, helping to create a positive and supportive learning experience. This is complemented by contributions from external speakers from time to time.

Our philosophy encourages transparency and open communication between students and tutors, supported by our interactive classrooms and tailored Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have achieved:

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) or an equivalent qualification, including appropriate Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), equivalent to a minimum of 75 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Ability to translate intrapersonal experience into language
• Ability to benefit from self-development
• Emotional stability
• Evidence of personal insight
• Ability to form a counselling relationship
• Awareness of difference and diversity
• Ability to cope with the course content
• Ability to identify reasons for training beyond personal development
• Motivation towards developing as a counselling practitioner
• Ability to provide references (where required by the centre)

Mode of Study: Nationwide / Live Online

90 hours minimum Guided Learning (GLH)

196 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT)

Total Qualification Time (TQT) includes guided learning and additional independent study activities, such as:

• Learning reviews
• Essay preparation
• Coursework, sessional reading and group work

Course Duration: 

Approximately 6 months

Progression: Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)

Total Course Fee: £1,395.00

Payment Breakdown

Booking Fee: £275.00

Payable to secure your place on the course (non-refundable).

Registration Fee: £525.00

Includes the applicable awarding organisation registration fee and ACE administration costs (non-refundable).

Remaining Course Balance: £595.00

The remaining balance must be paid, or payment arrangements agreed, at least four weeks before the course begins.

Please note: Course fees may vary between ACE locations. Refer to the relevant course location for confirmed fees and payment arrangements.

Next Course: 

January – June 2027

Attendance: 

Saturdays, approximately fortnightly

Session Times: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (excluding optional tutorials)

Provisional Teaching Dates

January 2027: 16, 30

February 2027: 13, 27

March 2027: 13, 20

April 2027: 3, 17

May 2027: 8, 22

June 2027: 5, 12

Please note: Teaching dates are provisional and may be subject to change

Mode of study:

Live Online – Interactive Classes

1. Completion and submission of ACE Courses Registration Form
2. On receipt, you will receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours and a decision thereafter.  
3. If you fulfil ACE Courses criteria you will be offered a place on the course subject to receiving the advised initial booking fee to secure your place.